Dog stories
Our Bark and Bottle writers know dog-friendly California like your pup knows the treat jar—intimately and enthusiastically. Whether sniffing out beaches in San Diego, dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma, hiking trails in the Sierra, or cozy mountain cabins near Big Bear Lake, we're your trusted guides for dog travel. From bustling cities to hidden wilderness gems, we fetch reliable tips, insights, and local secrets to make traveling with your four-legged friend effortless. Trust Bark and Bottle to lead you and your pup to tail-wagging dog travel adventures across dog-friendly California.
Gateway to farm and wine country
Vacaville makes a smart, affordable base for wine country trips with your dog. Stay at half the price of Napa hotels and daytrip to dog-friendly wineries in nearby Suisun Valley, where family-owned tasting rooms welcome four-legged visitors.
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Calaveras County: Sip and swirl along Highway 4
The town of Murphys on Highway 4 has more than 20 dog-friendly wine tasting spots along Main Street. From Twisted Oak's playful vibe to Ironstone Vineyards' museum housing a 44-pound gold specimen, Calaveras County wine country is full of surprises.
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Tail-waggin’ fun in Folsom and surrounding areas
Folsom pairs a charming Old Town with miles of dog-friendly trails along the American River Parkway and Folsom Lake. Add in taprooms, restaurants with patios, and the Johnny Cash Trail for a full weekend with your pup.
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Wine with your pup
Santa Cruz County's fog-kissed climate produces excellent pinot noir and chardonnay, and many wineries welcome dogs. Follow DogTrekker's wine trail itinerary or visit Alfaro and Nicholson on the Corralitos Wine Trail for organic wines and relaxed patio tasting.
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Things to do in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County has plenty to do with your dog beyond the beach. Hike off-leash at Byrne-Milliron Forest, ride a steam train at Roaring Camp, stroll the now dog-friendly Pacific Avenue downtown, or go tidepooling at Santa Maria Beach.
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Raise a glass to the dog-friendly Delta
Just south of Sacramento, the Clarksburg wine region along the Sacramento River Delta offers small-batch tastings, good food and a relaxed pace. Dog-friendly wineries like Scribner Bend and Miner's Leap feature beautiful patios, live music and on-site pizza.
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Raise a glass to the dog-friendly Delta
Just south of Sacramento, the Clarksburg wine region along the Sacramento River Delta offers dog-friendly tasting rooms, great food, and a slower pace. From Scribner Bend Vineyards to the Old Sugar Mill, bring your pup and a picnic.
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First time paws-ing in Redding?
New to Redding? Start at the Shasta Cascade Welcome Center, then walk the Sundial Bridge over the Sacramento River. From Whiskeytown Falls to botanical gardens to local breweries, here are our top picks for first-time visitors with dogs.
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By land or by lake with Redding as a basecamp
Redding is the gateway to Upstate California, where rugged mountains, serene lakes, and stunning waterfalls await you and your dog. Hike the Sacramento River Trail, boat on Shasta Lake, or tackle the three McCloud River falls.
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Get your float on in Sonoma Wine Country!
A four-hour float down a secluded stretch of the Russian River near Healdsburg is a must-do for water-loving dogs. Custom inflatable canoes keep everyone stable while you swim, picnic, and play fetch at sandy beaches along the way.
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Growling for Guerneville in Sonoma County
The Guerneville area in Sonoma County is ideal for a cozy cabin getaway with your dog. Creekside Inn, Cottages on River Road, and Fern Grove Cottages all welcome pups, with Russian River wine country and the coast just minutes away.
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Hiding in plain sight: The Santa Clara valley wine trail
Gilroy sits in the heart of the Santa Clara Valley, one of California's oldest wine-growing regions with more than 35 family-owned wineries. Many welcome dogs, and a Wine Trail Pass gives you year-round tasting access with dog-friendly stops clearly marked.
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Clear your head at Clear Lake
Clear Lake in Lake County is a natural freshwater paradise about 75 miles north of Santa Rosa. Rent a dog-friendly pontoon boat, stay in waterfront cabins, sample local wines, and let your pup splash at Clear Lake State Park.
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Cruz your way to a wine heaven
Santa Cruz County is home to more than 70 small-production wineries and tasting rooms, many of them dog-friendly. Follow the Organic Wine Trail or the Corralitos Wine Trail for a relaxed afternoon of sipping with your pup at your side.
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Bass Lake: A pet-friendly, Yosemite-area lure
Bass Lake near Yosemite has warm water, dog-friendly resorts, and vacation rentals surrounded by Sierra National Forest. Rent a pontoon boat, hike to a fire lookout, or relax at a nearby winery while your pup enjoys the mountain air.
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Around Clear Lake we go
Nearly a dozen communities ring Clear Lake in Lake County, each with its own dog-friendly appeal. From Lakeport's dog parks and boat rentals to Kelseyville's wineries and Clearlake's waterfront cabins, there's plenty for you and your pup to explore.
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Concord: Hike, drink, dine and unwind
Concord, just 30 miles from San Francisco, pairs a booming craft beer trail with thousands of acres of open space near Mount Diablo. Dog-friendly hotels, breweries, and the Iron Horse Trail make it an easy getaway.
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Headed up Mendo County way?
Sheep Dung Properties offers dog-friendly cottage rentals in Mendocino County's Anderson Valley. Choose from ranch cottages on 500 acres outside Boonville or an in-town rental with a soaking tub, all fenced and dog-proofed for worry-free stays.
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